Two years ago I went to the doctor’s to complain about a foot injury. He checked my age, sex, and weight and, using algorithmic guidance, determined that I should take this pill, get that shot, and have two more examinations, for which he gave me referrals. Last year I visited the doctor, complaining about shoulder pain. He checked to see whether my age, weight, and sex had changed. He gave me a knowing look. Then, using AI, he determined I should take these pills, get those shots, and have four more examinations, for which he gave me referrals. This week I signed into my medical portal. I was greeted by an AI generated androgynous figure in a lab coat, stethoscope dangling from its neck. My face was scanned. The figure informed me of my age, weight, and sex as it continued scanning. It told me a major operation would prolong my life by three years. It continued scanning. Then it gently informed me that a cost benefit analysis cross-checked with a projected quality of life analysis suggested suicide. A referral was forwarded to my email account, to be received within 90 seconds. It then informed me the referral was good for 60 days, at the end of which my “option” would no longer be available. A medical compliance team would be in contact, wherever I might be found. “Medical analysis requirements have been copied to your nearest relatives in order to initiate the equitable distribution of your estate. Have a great day!” – E.O.
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